STAYC Yoon and Jaei, the next 04s after the legendary '94 LINE.. "Definitely connected" [★22nd Anniversary Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoon and Jaei, the only same-age members and the youngest LINE of girl group STAYC, shared their thoughts on the unique synergy that comes from being part of the '04s' and turning 22 years old.

Recently, Yoon and Jaei met with reporters at the StarNews headquarters in Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, for a special interview to commemorate StarNews' 22nd anniversary.

For the two who turned 22 this year, the number '22' and their birth year '2004' carry special meaning. Yoon said, "I definitely have an attachment to '04'. It's the year I was born, and many people in the idol industry seem to like the number '04'. There used to be talk about the 'legend of '94', but after we debuted, people told us, 'After '94 comes '04.' That gave me a sense of expectation: 'Can we carry that legacy? Will we continue it?' I also always use '04' when filling out forms or marking numbers. My birthday is the 14th, 2004, so I have an even stronger attachment to the number '4.'"

In contrast, Jaei expressed affection for the number '2'. He said, "I like the number 2, so I'm happy to be 22. I've liked it since elementary school; maybe it just looked pretty." Yoon agreed, saying, "The number 2 does have a slightly pretty feel."

They also mentioned the special atmosphere that only emerges when the two '04s' come together. Jaei said, "There's definitely something that connects us as '04s'. There are trends from our time and things only we two know about." He added, "Since we're in the same generation, our trend speed is exactly the same. Other members seem a bit slower; maybe their algorithms differ. That might be why we communicate and talk more comfortably with each other."

Yoon explained, "Everyone in our team uses formal language, but Jaei is the only one I can speak informally to. That's probably why we feel more relaxed together." He continued, "I'm always the youngest wherever I go, so I usually have high-energy reactions. But when I'm with Jaei, I feel like I don't even need that; he's the only person I can talk to comfortably." This revealed his affection for his same-age friend.

What if they could travel back to 2004 and meet each other as babies? Yoon said, "I used to enjoy playing with friends who had baby Jaei's personality. Looking at photos of baby Jaei, he seemed lively and even danced in front of people. I couldn't be like that, so I hid my talents when I was young. If I had met baby Jaei, maybe I would have found my dream sooner." Jaei replied, "If I met baby Yoon, I think I would have encouraged him by saying, 'Show me your dreams; you're hiding something right now.'"

The conversation also continued about their 20s' dreams they had previously shared on radio. Jaei, whose dream was to visit a food stall with his parents, said, "I haven't been to a food stall yet, but I went to places like bars with my mom and dad first. We started having highballs together at places like izakayas."

Yoon, who had wanted to get his driver's license as soon as he turned 20, has now achieved that dream. He said, "I passed on the first try with a perfect score in the month of my 20th birthday." He recalled, "Last time, I went on a trip to Jeonju with friends from my hometown. We rented a car and drove them around. City driving wasn't easy, but it was fun." He added, "Driving long distances made me tired. I thought, 'How does my father always drive so quietly and skillfully?' I felt he was amazing. Just a few days ago, I also went to my family home by car."

Jaei honestly admitted, "I haven't gotten mine yet. Even just seeing a truck pass by makes me nervous sitting in the passenger seat. I have the intention to get a license, but I probably won't drive myself."

-To be continued in Interview ②.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.